Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device including a first sensor part that includes a first trunk portion, a first branch portion connected to the first trunk portion and extending in a direction different from a first direction and a second direction, a second branch portion spaced apart from the first branch portion, and a bridge connecting the first branch portion to the second branch portion. A second sensor part includes a second trunk portion extending in the second direction, and a third branch portion disposed between the first branch portion and the second branch portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from and the benefit of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2017-0108874, filed on Aug. 28, 2017, which is herebyincorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND Field

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate generally to a displaydevice and, more specifically, to a display device including an inputsensing unit.

Discussion of the Background

Electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets, notebook computers,navigation systems, and smart televisions have been developed. Theseelectronic devices include display devices to provide information. Theelectronic devices further include various electronic modules inaddition to the display devices.

The display devices include keyboards or mice as input units. Inaddition, the display devices may have touch panels as the input units.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only forunderstanding of the background of the inventive concepts, and,therefore, it may contain information that does not constitute priorart.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a display deviceincluding an input sensing unit with improved sensitivity.

A touch panel on a display device has a two sensing electrodes. As thethickness of the display device is reduced, the distance between thesensing electrodes and the user's fingers is reduced. Accordingly, theparasitic capacitance defined between the finger and the sensingelectrodes has a great influence on the sensing sensitivity.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a display devicemay include a display panel, and an input sensing unit disposed on thedisplay panel. The input sensing unit may include a first sensingelectrode and a second sensing electrode, which have mesh shapes,respectively, and maybe insulated from each other.

The first sensing electrode may include first sensor parts arranged in afirst direction, and first connection parts, each of which connectsadjacent ones of the first sensor parts. The second sensing electrodemay include second sensor parts arranged in a second directionintersecting the first direction, and second connection parts, each ofwhich connects adjacent ones of the second sensor parts. Each of thefirst sensor parts may include a first trunk portion extending in thefirst direction, a first branch portion connected to the first trunkportion and extending in a direction different from the first directionand the second direction, a second branch portion spaced apart from thefirst branch portion, and a bridge connecting the first branch portionto the second branch portion. Each of the second sensor parts mayinclude a second trunk portion extending in the second direction, and athird branch portion connected to the second trunk portion and extendingin a direction different from the first direction and the seconddirection. The third branch portion may be disposed between the firstbranch portion and the second branch portion.

Each of the second sensor parts may include two or more third branchportions. Two third branch portions of the two or more third branchportions may be connected to each other, and the two third branchportions connect one end area of the second trunk portion to another endarea of the second trunk portion. The second trunk portion and the twothird branch portions define an opening.

The second branch portion may be disposed inside the opening.

The display device may further include a dummy electrode disposed in theopening.

The bridge may be disposed on a layer different from a layer on whichthe first branch portion is disposed.

The bridge may overlap with the third branch portion.

The first branch portion connects one end area of the first trunkportion to another end area of the first trunk portion. The first trunkportion and the first branch portion define an opening.

The display device may further include a dummy electrode disposed in theopening.

The first branch portion includes first areas and second areas that arealternately arranged, and widths of the first areas are greater thanwidths of the second areas. The third branch portion includes thirdareas and fourth areas that are alternately arranged, and widths of thethird areas are greater than widths of the fourth areas. One of thefirst areas is disposed between adjacent two of the third areas.

A distance between the one of the first areas and one of the adjacenttwo third areas may range from 1 μm to 10 μm.

Each of the second sensor parts may include two or more third branchportions. One of the two or more third branch portions may be connectedto one end area of the second trunk portion, and another of the two ormore third branch portions may be connected to another end area of thesecond trunk portion. The one third branch portion may be spaced apartfrom the another third branch portion by a predetermined distance.

The bridge may be disposed between the one third branch portion and theanother third branch portion.

A length of the one third branch portion may be substantially equal to alength of the another third branch portion.

The first connection parts and the second connection parts may bedisposed on different layers from each other with an insulating layerinterposed therebetween and disposed on the same layer as the firstconnection parts.

The input sensing unit may further include first dummy electrodes whichoverlap with the first sensor parts, are disposed on the same layer asthe second connection parts, and are connected to the first sensor partsthrough contact holes penetrating the insulating layer, and second dummyelectrodes which overlap with the second sensor parts, are disposed onthe same layer as the second connection parts, and are connected to thesecond sensor parts through contact holes penetrating the insulatinglayer.

Each of the second sensor parts may include a plurality of third branchportions, and each of the second sensor parts may have a symmetricalshape with respect to the second trunk portion.

The display device may further include a window unit. The input sensingunit may be disposed between the display panel and the window unit, anda distance between a top surface of the input sensing unit and a topsurface of the window unit may be 0.2 mm or less.

At least a partial area of the display device may be bendable.

In another aspect of the invention, a display device includes a displaypanel, and an input sensing unit including a first sensing electrodeextending in a first direction, and a second sensing electrode extendingin a second direction different from the first direction. The firstsensing electrode and the second sensing electrode are insulated fromeach other.

The first sensing electrode may include a first extension extending inthe first direction, a plurality of first diagonal portions connected tothe first extension in an intersection area of the first and secondsensing electrodes and extending in a direction different from the firstand second directions, and a plurality of second diagonal portionsspaced apart from the plurality of first diagonal portions andelectrically connected to the first diagonal portions.

The second sensing electrode may include a second extension extending inthe second direction, and a plurality of third diagonal portionsconnected to the second extension in the intersection area of the firstand second sensing electrodes and disposed between the first diagonalportions and the second diagonal portions, respectively.

One of the first extension and the second extension may include aconnection portion disposed on a layer different from a layer on whichthe first to third diagonal portions are disposed, and a first centralportion and a second central portion which are spaced apart from eachother and are disposed on the same layer as the first to third diagonalportions. The connection portion may be disposed between the firstcentral portion and the second central portion in a plan view and mayconnect the first central portion and the second central portion to eachother.

In still another aspect of the invention, a display device includes adisplay panel, a first sensing electrode disposed on the display panel,and a second sensing electrode disposed on the display panel andintersecting the first sensing electrode, wherein the first and secondsensing electrodes are insulated from each other.

The first sensing electrode includes a first central portion extendingin a first direction, a first branch portion defining a first openingalong with the first central portion, and a second branch portiondefining a second opening along with the first central portion. Thesecond sensing electrode includes a second central portion extending ina second direction intersecting the first direction, a third branchportion defining a third opening along with the second central portion,a fourth branch portion defining a fourth opening along with the secondcentral portion, a fifth branch portion spaced apart from the thirdbranch portion and disposed in the second opening, and a sixth branchportion spaced apart from the fourth branch portion. A portion of thesecond branch portion is disposed between the third branch portion andthe fifth branch portion.

A device constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment mayincrease a variation in capacitance before and after input since afacing area between the first and second sensing electrodes is increasedand the overlapping areas of the input means (user's finger) and thefirst and second sensing electrodes are reduced.

Additional features of the inventive concepts will be set forth in thedescription which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concepts.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of theinvention, and together with the description serve to explain theinventive concepts.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are perspective views illustrating a display deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2A to 2F are cross-sectional views illustrating display devicesaccording to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display panel accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a display panel according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a displaypanel corresponding to the equivalent circuit illustrated in FIGS. 4 and5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an input sensing unitaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating an input sensing unit according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an equivalent circuit diagram of an input sensing unit in astate in which a touch event occurs.

FIG. 10A is an enlarged plan view illustrating a portion of an inputsensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10B is an enlarged plan view illustrating one intersection area ofan input sensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10C is an enlarged plan view illustrating a partial area of FIG.10A.

FIG. 10D is an enlarged plan view illustrating a partial area of FIG.10C.

FIG. 10E is a cross-sectional view of a partial area of FIG. 10B takenalong line I-I′.

FIG. 10F is a cross-sectional view of a partial area of FIG. 10C takenalong line II-II′.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a portion of an inputsensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12A is an enlarged plan view illustrating a portion of an inputsensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12B is an enlarged plan view illustrating a partial area of FIG.12A.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a portion of an inputsensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14A is an enlarged plan view illustrating a first conductive layercorresponding to one intersection area of an input sensing unitaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14B is an enlarged plan view illustrating a second conductive layercorresponding to one intersection area of an input sensing unitaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of theinvention. As used herein “embodiments” and “implementations” areinterchangeable words that are non-limiting examples of devices ormethods employing one or more of the inventive concepts disclosedherein. It is apparent, however, that various exemplary embodiments maybe practiced without these specific details or with one or moreequivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures anddevices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring various exemplary embodiments. Further, various exemplaryembodiments may be different, but do not have to be exclusive. Forexample, specific shapes, configurations, and characteristics of anexemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplaryembodiment without departing from the inventive concepts.

Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated exemplary embodiments are tobe understood as providing exemplary features of varying detail of someways in which the inventive concepts may be implemented in practice.Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features, components,modules, layers, films, panels, regions, and/or aspects, etc.(hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”), ofthe various embodiments may be otherwise combined, separated,interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing from the inventiveconcepts.

The use of cross-hatching and/or shading in the accompanying drawings isgenerally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. Assuch, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shadingconveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particularmaterials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalitiesbetween illustrated elements, and/or any other characteristic,attribute, property, etc., of the elements, unless specified. Further,in the accompanying drawings, the size and relative sizes of elementsmay be exaggerated for clarity and/or descriptive purposes. When anexemplary embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific processorder may be performed differently from the described order. Forexample, two consecutively described processes may be performedsubstantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to thedescribed order. Also, like reference numerals denote like elements.

When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being “on,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer orintervening elements or layers may be present. When, however, an elementor layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,”or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are nointervening elements or layers present. To this end, the term“connected” may refer to physical, electrical, and/or fluid connection,with or without intervening elements. Further, the D1-axis, the D2-axis,and the D3-axis are not limited to three axes of a rectangularcoordinate system, such as the x, y, and z-axes, and may be interpretedin a broader sense. For example, the D1-axis, the D2-axis, and theD3-axis may be perpendicular to one another, or may represent differentdirections that are not perpendicular to one another. For the purposesof this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least oneselected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be construed as Xonly, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z,such as, for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein todescribe various types of elements, these elements should not be limitedby these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element fromanother element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed asecond element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under,” “lower,” “above,” “over,”“side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”), and the like, may be used herein fordescriptive purposes, and, thereby, to describe one elementsrelationship to another element(s) as illustrated in the drawings.Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of an apparatus in use, operation, and/or manufacture inaddition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. Furthermore, theapparatus may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or atother orientations), and, as such, the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms, “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Moreover,the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,”when used in this specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one ormore other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms“substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms, are used as terms ofapproximation and not as terms of degree, and, as such, are utilized toaccount for inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and/or providedvalues that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference tosectional and/or exploded illustrations that are schematic illustrationsof idealized exemplary embodiments and/or intermediate structures. Assuch, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, forexample, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should notnecessarily be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapesof regions, but are to include deviations in shapes that result from,for instance, manufacturing. In this manner, regions illustrated in thedrawings may be schematic in nature and the shapes of these regions maynot reflect actual shapes of regions of a device and, as such, are notnecessarily intended to be limiting.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms,such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are perspective views illustrating a display deviceDD according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, a display surface DD-IS of adisplay device DD is parallel to a plane defined by a first directionalaxis DR1 and a second directional axis DR2. A normal direction of thedisplay surface DD-IS (i.e., a thickness direction of the display deviceDD) is indicated by a third directional axis DR3. A front surface (or atop surface) and a back surface (or a bottom surface) of each of themembers are defined based on the third directional axis DR3. However,directions indicated by the first to third directional axes DR1, DR2 andDR3 may be relative concepts and may be changed into other directions.Hereinafter, first to third directions are the directions indicated bythe first to third directional axes DR1, DR2 and DR3, respectively, andare indicated by the same reference designators as the first to thirddirectional axes DR1, DR2 and DR3.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, the display surface DD-ISincludes a display area DD-DA, in which an image IM is displayed, and anon-display area DD-NDA adjacent to the display area DD-DA. An image isnot displayed in the non-display area DD-NDA. Icon images areillustrated as an example of the image IM in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C. Forexample, the display area DD-DA may have a quadrilateral shape (e.g., arectangular shape). The non-display area DD-NDA may surround the displayarea DD-DA. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are notlimited thereto. The shapes of the display area DD-DA and thenon-display area DD-NDA may be relatively designed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, the display device DD mayinclude a plurality of areas defined according to an operation mode. Thedisplay device DD may include a bending area BA bendable on the basis ofa bending axis BX, a first non-bending area NBA1, and a secondnon-bending area NBA2. The first and second non-bending areas NBA1 andNBA2 are not bent. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the display device DD maybe bent inwards such that the display surface DD-IS of the firstnon-bending area NBA1 faces the display surface DD-IS of the secondnon-bending area NBA2. As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the display device DDmay be bent outwards such that the display surface DD-IS is exposed tothe outside. The display device DD repeatedly bent and stretched asillustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C may be defined as a foldable displaydevice.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the display device DD may include aplurality of bending areas BA. In addition, the bending area BA may bedefined or designed to correspond to a manner in which a user operatesthe display device DD. For example, unlike FIGS. 1B and 1C, the bendingarea BA may be defined or designed to be parallel to the seconddirectional axis DR2 or may be defined or designed in a diagonaldirection. An area of the bending area BA may not be fixed but may bedetermined depending on to a radius of curvature. In an exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the display device DD may be repeatedlyoperated only between the operation modes illustrated in FIGS. 1A and1B.

The foldable display device DD is illustrated in the exemplaryembodiment of the invention. However, exemplary embodiments of theinvention are not limited thereto. In certain exemplary embodiments, thedisplay device DD may include a curved display surface or may include athree-dimensional display surface (e.g., a polygonal pillar-shapeddisplay surface) that includes a plurality of display areas indicatingdifferent directions from each other. In certain exemplary embodiments,the display device DD may be a flat rigid display device. In certainexemplary embodiments, the display device DD may be a bending typedisplay device of which an edge area is bent.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the display device DD applied to aportable phone is illustrated. However, exemplary embodiments of theinvention are not limited thereto. In certain exemplary embodiments, thedisplay device DD may be applied to large-sized electronic devices(e.g., televisions and monitors) and small and middle-sized electronicdevices (e.g., tablets, car navigation units, game consoles, and smartwatches).

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F are cross-sectional views illustratingdisplay devices DD according to some exemplary embodiments of theinvention. FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F illustrate cross sectionsdefined by the second directional axis DR2 and the third directionalaxis DR3. FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F simply illustrate afunctional panel and/or functional units of the display device DD toexplain stacking relationship of the functional panel and/or thefunctional units.

The display device DD according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention may include a display panel, an input sensing unit, ananti-reflection unit, and a window unit. At least some of the displaypanel, the input sensing unit, the anti-reflection unit and the windowunit may be integrally formed with each other by continuous processes ormay be coupled to each other by an adhesive member. In FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C,2D, 2E, and 2F, a pressure sensitive adhesive film (PSA) is illustratedas an example of the adhesive member. However, exemplary embodiments ofthe invention are not limited thereto. In certain exemplary embodiments,the adhesive member described hereinafter may include a generaladhesive. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, theanti-reflection unit may be replaced with another component or may beomitted.

In FIGS. 2A to 2F, at least one of the input sensing unit, theanti-reflection unit, or the window unit, which is integrally formedwith another component by continuous processes, is represented as“˜layer”. At least one of the input sensing unit, the anti-reflectionunit, or the window unit, which is coupled to another component by anadhesive member, is represented as “panel”. The “panel” may include abase layer providing a base surface. For example, the base layer may bea synthetic resin film, a composite material film, or a glass substrate.The “layer” may not include the base layer. In other words, the unitrepresented as the “layer” is disposed on a base surface provided byanother unit.

When the input sensing unit, the anti-reflection unit and the windowunit include the base layers, they may be referred to as an inputsensing panel ISP, an anti-reflection panel RPP, and a window panel WP.When the input sensing unit, the anti-reflection unit and the windowunit do not include the base layers, they may be referred to as an inputsensing layer ISL, an anti-reflection layer RPL, and a window layer WL.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the display device DD may include a displaypanel DP, the input sensing layer ISL, the anti-reflection panel RPP,the window panel WP, and a protective member PF. The input sensing layerISL is disposed directly on the display panel DP. In the presentspecification, it is understood that when a component B1 is disposeddirectly on a component A1, an additional adhesive member is notdisposed between the component A1 and the component B1. In other words,the term “directly” means that there are no intervening components.After formation of the component A1, the component B1 is formed on abase surface, provided by the component A1, through continuousprocesses.

The display panel DP and the input sensing layer ISL disposed directlyon the display panel DP may be defined as a display module DM. Pressuresensitive adhesive films PSA are disposed between the input sensinglayer ISL and the anti-reflection panel RPP and between theanti-reflection panel RPP and the window panel WP, respectively.

The display panel DP generates an image and the input sensing layer ISLobtains coordinate information of an external input (e.g., a touchevent). The protective member PF supports the display panel DP andprotects the display panel DP from an external impact.

The protective member PF may include a plastic film as a base layer. Theprotective member PF may include a plastic film including athermoplastic resin, for example, one selected from a group consistingof polyethylene terepthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyvinylchloride(PVC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyacrylonitrile (PAN),styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene(ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and any combination thereof. Inparticular, polyethyleneterepthalate (PET) has excellent heatresistance, excellent fatigue strength, and excellent electricalcharacteristics and is less affected by temperature and humidity.

The material of the protective member PF is not limited to the plasticresins but may include an organic/inorganic composite material. Forexample, the protective member PF may include a porous organic layer andan inorganic material filling pores of the porous organic layer.

The display panel DP according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention may be, but not limited to, a light emitting type displaypanel. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic lightemitting display panel or a quantum dot light emitting display panel. Alight emitting layer of the organic light emitting display panel mayinclude an organic light emitting material. A light emitting layer ofthe quantum dot light emitting display panel may include a quantum dotand/or a quantum rod. Hereinafter, the display panel DP corresponding tothe organic light emitting display panel will be described as anexample.

The anti-reflection panel RPP reduces a reflectance of natural light (orthe light of the sun) incident on the window panel WP. Theanti-reflection panel RPP according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention may include a phase retarder and a polarizer. The phaseretarder may be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type and mayinclude a λ/2 phase retarder and/or a λ/4 phase retarder. The polarizermay also be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type. The film typemay include an extendable synthetic resin film, and the liquid crystalcoating type may include arranged liquid crystals. The anti-reflectionpanel RPP may further include a protective film. The phase retarder andthe polarizer may be defined as a base layer of the anti-reflectionpanel RPP, or the protective film may be defined as the base layer ofthe anti-reflection panel RPP.

The anti-reflection panel RPP according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention may include color filters. The color filters may bearranged in a predetermined form. The arrangement of the color filtersmay be determined in consideration of light emitting colors of pixelsincluded in the display panel DP. The anti-reflection panel RPP mayfurther include a black matrix adjacent to the color filters.

The window panel WP according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention includes a base layer WP-BS and a light shielding patternWP-BZ. The base layer WP-BS may include a glass substrate and/or asynthetic resin film. The base layer WP-BS is not limited to a singlelayer. The base layer WP-BS may include two or more films coupled toeach other by an adhesive member.

The light shielding pattern WP-BZ partially overlaps with the base layerWP-BS. The light shielding pattern WP-BZ may be disposed on a backsurface of the base layer WP-BS to define a bezel area (i.e., thenon-display area DD-NDA of FIG. 1) of the display device DD.

The light shielding pattern WP-BZ may be a colored organic layer and maybe formed by, for example, a coating method. Even though not shown inthe drawings, the window panel WP may further include a functionalcoating layer disposed on a front surface of the base layer WP-BS. Thefunctional coating layer may include at least one of an anti-fingerprintlayer, an anti-reflection layer, or a hard coating layer.

In FIGS. 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F, the base layer WP-BS and the lightshielding pattern WP-BZ are omitted in the window panel WP and thewindow layer WL for the purpose of ease and convenience in illustration.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the display device DD according tosome exemplary embodiments may include the protective member PF, thedisplay panel DP, the input sensing panel ISP, the anti-reflection panelRPP, and the window panel WP. A stacking order of the input sensingpanel ISP and the anti-reflection panel RPP may be changed.

As illustrated in FIG. 2D, the display device DD according to anexemplary embodiment may include the protective member PF, the displaypanel DP, the input sensing layer ISL, the anti-reflection layer RPL,and the window layer WL. Adhesive members may be omitted from thedisplay device DD, and the input sensing layer ISL, the anti-reflectionlayer RPL and the window layer WL may be sequentially formed on a basesurface provided by the display panel DP through continuous processes. Astacking order of the input sensing layer ISL and the anti-reflectionlayer RPL may be changed.

In this case, the anti-reflection layer RPL may include a liquid crystalcoating type phase retarder and a liquid crystal coating type polarizer.The phase retarder and the polarizer may include discotic liquid crystallayers, each of which has a tilt angle in one direction.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2E and 2F, the display device DD according tosome exemplary embodiments may not include the anti-reflection unit.Unlike the input sensing panel ISP or the input sensing layer ISL ofFIGS. 2A to 2D, an input sensing layer ISL-1 of FIG. 2E may furtherinclude a color filter having an anti-reflection function. Unlike thedisplay panel DP of FIGS. 2A to 2D, a display panel DP-1 of FIG. 2F mayfurther include a color filter having an anti-reflection function.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display panel DPaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 is a planview illustrating the display panel DP according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 is an equivalent circuit diagram ofa pixel PX according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the display panel DPcorresponding to the equivalent circuit illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.The display panel DP described hereinafter may be applied to all of thedisplay devices DD described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2F. Theprotective member PF disposed on a back surface of the display panel DPis also illustrated in FIG. 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the display panel DP includes a base layer BL,a circuit element layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-OLED, and athin film encapsulation layer TFE. The circuit element layer DP-CL, thedisplay element layer DP-OLED and the thin film encapsulation layer TFLmay be disposed on the base layer BL. Even though not shown in thedrawings, the display panel DP may further include functional layerssuch as a buffer layer and a refractive index adjusting layer.

The base layer BL may include a synthetic resin film. A synthetic resinlayer is formed on a work substrate used when the display panel DP ismanufactured. Thereafter, a conductive layer and an insulating layer areformed on the synthetic resin layer. When the work substrate is removed,the synthetic resin layer corresponds to the base layer BL. Thesynthetic resin layer may include a thermosetting resin. In particular,the synthetic resin layer may be a polyimide-based resin layer. However,exemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited to a kind of thematerial of the synthetic resin layer. In other exemplary embodiments,the base layer BL may include a glass substrate, a metal substrate, oran organic/inorganic composite material substrate.

The circuit element layer DP-CL includes at least one insulating layerand a circuit element. Hereinafter, the insulating layer included in thecircuit element layer DP-CL is referred to as an intermediate insulatinglayer. The intermediate insulating layer may include at least oneintermediate inorganic layer and/or at least one intermediate organiclayer. The circuit element includes a signal line and a driving circuitof a pixel. The circuit element layer DP-CL may be formed throughprocesses of forming the insulating layer, a semiconductor layer and aconductive layer using coating and/or deposition processes and processesof patterning the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer and theconductive layer using photolithography processes.

The display element layer DP-OLED includes a light emitting element. Thedisplay element layer DP-OLED may include organic light emitting diodes.The display element layer DP-OLED may further include an organic layersuch as a pixel defining layer.

The thin film encapsulation layer TFE encapsulates the display elementlayer DP-OLED. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE includes at leastone insulating layer. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention may include at least oneinorganic layer (hereinafter, referred to as an encapsulation inorganiclayer). The thin film encapsulation layer TFE according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention may include at least one organic layer(hereinafter, referred to as an encapsulation organic layer) and atleast one encapsulation inorganic layer.

The encapsulation inorganic layer protects the display element layerDP-OLED from water/oxygen, and the encapsulation organic layer protectsthe display element layer DP-OLED from a foreign material such as dustparticles. The encapsulation inorganic layer may include at least oneof, but not limited to, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitridelayer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminumoxide layer. The encapsulation organic layer may include, but notlimited to, an acrylic-based organic layer.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the thin film encapsulationlayer TFE may be omitted. An encapsulation substrate such as a glasssubstrate may be substituted for the thin film encapsulation layer TFE.The encapsulation substrate may be coupled to the display panel DP by asealant. The sealant disposed in a peripheral area DP-SA may couple theencapsulation substrate (e.g., the glass substrate) directly to thecircuit element layer DP-CL.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the display panel DP may include a drivingcircuit GDC, a plurality of signal lines SGL, a plurality of signal padsDP-PD, and a plurality of pixels PX. Each of the pixels PX includes anorganic light emitting diode and a pixel driving circuit connected tothe organic light emitting diode. The driving circuit GDC, the signallines SGL, the signal pads DP-PD and the pixel driving circuit may beincluded in the circuit element layer DP-CL illustrated in FIG. 3.

The pixels PX may be divided into a plurality of groups on the basis ofcolors of lights emitted from the pixels PX. For example, the pixels PXmay include red pixels, green pixels, and blue pixels. The pixels PX mayfurther include white pixels. The pixels of different groups may includeorganic light emitting layers of different materials from each other ormay include color filters of different colors from each other.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the driving circuit GDC may include a scandriving circuit. The scan driving circuit generates a plurality of scansignals and sequentially outputs the scan signals to a plurality of scanlines GL to be described below. The scan driving circuit may furtheroutput other control signals to the pixel driving circuits of the pixelsPX.

The scan driving circuit may include a plurality of thin filmtransistors formed by the same process (e.g., a low-temperaturepolycrystalline silicon (LTPS) process or a low-temperaturepolycrystalline oxide (LTPO) process) as the pixel driving circuits ofthe pixels PX.

The display panel DP may include a pixel area DP-PX and the peripheralarea DP-SA when viewed in a plan view. The pixel area DP-PX may be anarea in which the pixels PX are disposed, and the peripheral area DP-SAmay be an area in which the pixels PX are not disposed.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the peripheral area DP-SA may bedefined along a border of the pixel area DP-PX. The pixel area DP-PX maybe wider than the display area DD-DA illustrated in FIG. 1, and theperipheral area DP-SA may be narrower than the non-display area DD-NDAillustrated in FIG. 1. The driving circuit GDC, the signal pads DP-PDand a portion of the signal lines are disposed in the peripheral areaDP-SA.

FIG. 5 illustrates one scan line GL, one data line DL, a power line PL,and the pixel connected thereto. The pixel PX includes a firsttransistor (or a switching transistor) T1, a second transistor (or adriving transistor) T2 and a capacitor Cst which constitute the pixeldriving circuit for driving an organic light emitting diode OLED. Afirst power source voltage ELVDD is provided to the second transistorT2, and a second power source voltage ELVSS is provided to the organiclight emitting diode OLED. The second power source voltage ELVSS may belower than the first power source voltage ELVDD. The organic lightemitting diode OLED may be a front surface type light emitting diode ora back surface type light emitting diode.

The equivalent circuit is illustrated as an example of the pixel PX, andexemplary embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto. Thepixel PX may further include a plurality of transistors and/or mayinclude two or more capacitors. In another exemplary embodiment, theorganic light emitting diode OLED may be connected between the powerline PL and the second transistor T2.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial cross section of the display panel DPcorresponding to the equivalent circuit illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The circuit element layer DP-CL, the display element layer DP-OLED andthe thin film encapsulation layer TFE are sequentially stacked on thebase layer BL. In the present exemplary embodiment, the circuit elementlayer DP-CL may include a buffer layer BFL corresponding to an inorganiclayer, a first intermediate inorganic layer 10, a second intermediateinorganic layer 20, and an intermediate organic layer 30. Materials ofthe inorganic layers and the organic layer are not limited to specificmaterials, and the buffer layer BFL may be disposed or omitted in someexemplary embodiments of the invention.

The display element layer DP-OLED is disposed on the intermediateorganic layer 30. The display element layer DP-OLED may include a pixeldefining layer PDL and an organic light emitting diode OLED. The pixeldefining layer PDL may include an organic material. A first electrode AEis disposed on the intermediate organic layer 30. An opening OP isdefined in the pixel defining layer PDL. The opening OP of the pixeldefining layer PDL exposes at least a portion of the first electrode AE.In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the pixel defining layerPDL may be omitted.

The pixel area DP may include a light emitting area PXA and a non-lightemitting area NPXA adjacent to the light emitting area PXA. Thenon-light emitting area NPXA may surround the light emitting area PXA.In the present exemplary embodiment, the light emitting area PXA isdefined to correspond to a partial area of the first electrode AE, whichis exposed through the opening OP.

The organic light emitting diode OLED may include the first electrodeAE, a hole control layer HCL, a light emitting layer EML, an electroncontrol layer ECL, and a second electrode CE. However, the stackstructure of the organic light emitting diode OLED is not limitedthereto but may be variously modified.

The hole control layer HCL, the electron control layer ECL and thesecond electrode CE may be disposed in both the light emitting area PXAand the non-light emitting area NPXA. Even though not shown in thedrawings, these common layers may be formed in the pixels PX (see FIGS.4 and 5). The light emitting layer EML may have a multi-layeredstructure which is called ‘a tandem’.

The thin film encapsulation layer TFE is disposed on the secondelectrode CE. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE is disposed incommon in the pixels PX. In the present exemplary embodiment, the thinfilm encapsulation layer TFE directly covers the second electrode CE. Inan exemplary embodiment of the invention, a capping layer covering thesecond electrode CE may further be disposed between the thin filmencapsulation layer TFE and the second electrode CE. In this case, thethin film encapsulation layer TFE may directly cover the capping layer.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the organic light emittingdiode OLED may further include a resonance structure for controlling aresonance distance of light generated from the light emitting layer EML.The resonance structure may be disposed between the first electrode AEand the second electrode CE, and a thickness of the resonance structuremay be determined depending on a wavelength of the light generated fromthe light emitting layer EML.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an input sensing unit ISUaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 is a planview illustrating the input sensing unit ISU according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. FIG. 9 is an equivalent circuit diagram ofthe input sensing unit ISU in a state in which a touch event occurs.

FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 illustrate the “layer” type input sensing unitdescribed with reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F as anexample. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE providing a base surfaceis additionally illustrated in FIG. 7.

The input sensing unit ISU may have a multi-layered structure in each ofthe “layer” type and the “panel” type. The input sensing unit ISUincludes a sensing electrode, a signal line connected to the sensingelectrode, and at least one insulating layer. The input sensing unit ISUmay sense an external input by, for example, a capacitive method.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the input sensing unit ISU according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention may include a first conductivelayer IS-CL1, a first insulating layer IS-IL1, a second conductive layerIS-CL2, and a second insulating layer IS-IL2. Each of the first andsecond conductive layers IS-CL1 and IS-CL2 may have a single-layeredstructure or may have a multi-layered structure including a plurality oflayers stacked along the third direction DR3. The conductive layer ofthe single-layered structure may include a metal layer or a transparentconductive layer. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver,titanium, copper, aluminum, or any alloy thereof. The transparentconductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide such asindium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), orindium tin zinc oxide (ITZO). Alternatively, the transparent conductivelayer may include a conductive polymer (e.g., PEDOT), a metal nanowire,and/or graphene.

The conductive layer of the multi-layered structure may include aplurality of metal layers. For example, the plurality of metal layersmay have a three-layer structure of titanium/aluminum/titanium. Incertain exemplary embodiments, the conductive layer of the multi-layeredstructure may include at least one metal layer and at least onetransparent conductive layer.

Each of the first and second conductive layers IS-CL1 and IS-CL2includes a plurality of patterns. The first conductive layer IS-CL1includes first conductive patterns, and the second conductive layerIS-CL2 includes second conductive patterns. The first conductivepatterns may include sensing electrodes and signal lines, and the secondconductive patterns may include sensing electrodes and signal lines.

A stack structure and a material of the sensing electrodes may bedetermined in consideration of sensing sensitivity. RC delay may affectthe sensing sensitivity. Since a resistance of the metal layer is lessthan a resistance of the transparent conductive layer, a RC value of thesensing electrodes including the metal layer is reduced. Thus, acharging time of a capacitor defined between the sensing electrodes isreduced. The sensing electrodes including the transparent conductivelayer may not be visible to a user, as compared with the metal layer. Inaddition, the sensing electrodes including the transparent conductivelayer may increase an input area to increase a capacitance.

The sensing electrodes including the metal layer may have a mesh shapeto prevent the sensing electrodes from being visible to a user.Meanwhile, a thickness of the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may beadjusted such that noise occurring by the components of the displayelement layer DP-OLED does not affect the input sensing unit ISU. Eachof the first and second insulating layers IS-IL1 and IS-IL2 may have asingle-layered or multi-layered structure. Each of the first and secondinsulating layers IS-IL1 and IS-IL2 may include an inorganic material,an organic material, or a composite material.

At least one of the first insulating layer IS-IL1 or the secondinsulating layer IS-IL2 may include an inorganic layer. The inorganiclayer may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide,silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, or hafnium oxide.

At least one of the first insulating layer IS-IL1 or the secondinsulating layer IS-IL2 may include an organic layer. The organic layermay include at least one of an acrylic-based resin, a methacrylic-basedresin, polyisoprene, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, aurethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, apolyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, or a perylene-basedresin.

In FIG. 7, the first insulating layer IS-IL1 completely overlapping withthe thin film encapsulation layer TFE is illustrated as an example.Alternatively, the first insulating layer IS-IL1 may include a pluralityof insulating patterns spaced apart from each other. The insulatingpatterns may be disposed between the first conductive patterns and thesecond conductive patterns in intersection areas of the first conductivepatterns and the second conductive patterns to insulate the firstconductive patterns from the second conductive patterns.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the input sensing unit ISU may include firstsensing electrodes IE1-1, IE1-2, IE1-3, IE1-4, and IE1-5, first signallines SL1-1, SL1-2, SL1-3, SL1-4, and SL1-5 connected to the firstsensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5, second sensing electrodes IE2-1,IE2-2, IE2-3, and IE2-4, and second signal lines SL2-1, SL2-2, SL2-3,and SL2-4 connected to the second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-4.

The first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5 intersect the second sensingelectrodes IE2-1 to IE2-4. Each of the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 toIE1-5 has a shape extending in the first direction DR1, and the firstsensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5 are arranged in the second directionDR2. Each of the second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-4 has a shapeextending in the second direction DR2, and the second sensing electrodesIE2-1 to IE2-4 are arranged in the first direction DR1. An externalinput may be sensed by a mutual capacitance method. Alternatively,coordinates of the external input may be calculated during a firstperiod by the mutual capacitance method, and then, the coordinates ofthe external input may be re-calculated during a second period by aself-capacitance method.

Each of the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5 includes firstsensor parts SP1 and first connection parts CP1. The first sensor partsSP1 are arranged in the first direction DR1. Each of the firstconnection parts CP1 connects two of the adjacent first sensor parts SP1to each other. Each of the second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-4includes second sensor parts SP2 and second connection parts CP2. Thesecond sensor parts SP2 are arranged in the second direction DR2. Eachof the second connection parts CP2 connects two of the adjacent secondsensor parts SP2 to each other.

Each of the first sensor parts SP1 includes a first trunk portion TP1, afirst branch portion BP1, a second branch portion BP2, and a bridge BR.The first trunk portion TP1 extends in the first direction DR1. Thefirst branch portion BP1 is connected to the first trunk portion TP1 andextends in a direction different from the first direction DR1 and thesecond direction DR2. The second branch portion BP2 is spaced apart fromthe first branch portion BP1.

Each of the first sensor parts SP1 may include a plurality of the firstbranch portions BP1, and one or some of the first branch portions BP1may extend in another direction. FIG. 8 illustrates the first sensorparts SP1, each of which includes two first branch portions BP1extending in a fourth direction DR4 and two first branch portions BP1extending in a fifth direction DR5, as an example.

In FIG. 8, two first branch portions BP1 disposed on the first trunkportion TP1 may be connected to each other and may be connected to oneend area and another end area of the first trunk portion TP1,respectively. The two first branch portions BP1 and the first trunkportion TP1 connected to each other may define a first opening OP1.

Here, a length of the first trunk portion TP1 may be defined as adistance between two intersection areas, adjacent in the first directionDR1, of the first sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes.The one end area of the first trunk portion TP1 may be defined as anarea corresponding to a range from one of the two intersection areas to30% of the length of the first trunk portion TP1, and the another endarea of the first trunk portion TP1 may be defined as an areacorresponding to a range from the other of the two intersection areas to30% of the length of the first trunk portion TP1.

In FIG. 8, two first branch portions BP1 disposed under the first trunkportion TP1 are connected to each other. The two first branch portionsBP1 may be connected to the one end area and the another end area of thefirst trunk portion TP1, respectively, to define the first opening OP1under the first trunk portion TP1. Each of the first sensor parts SP1may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the first trunk portionTP1.

Each of the first sensor parts SP1 may include a plurality of the secondbranch portions BP2. A corresponding one of the second branch portionsBP2 and a corresponding one of the first branch portions BP1 mayconstitute a pair. The first branch portion BP1 and the second branchportion BP2 which constitute the pair may be electrically connected toeach other. The bridge BR may connect the first branch portion BP1 andthe second branch portion BP2 which constitute the pair. Each of thefirst sensor parts SP1 may include four bridges BR.

Each of the second sensor parts SP2 may include a second trunk portionTP2 and a third branch portion BP3. The second trunk portion TP2 extendsin the second direction DR2. The third branch portion BP3 is connectedto the second trunk portion TP2 and extends in a direction differentfrom the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The thirdbranch portion BP3 may be disposed between the first branch portion BP1and the second branch portion BP2 which constitute the pair.

Each of the second sensor parts SP2 may include a plurality of the thirdbranch portions BP3, and one or some of the third branch portions BP3may extend in another direction. FIG. 8 illustrates the second sensorparts SP2, each of which includes two third branch portions BP3extending in the fourth direction DR4 and two third branch portions BP3extending in the fifth direction DR5, as an example.

In FIG. 8, two third branch portions BP3 disposed at a left side of thesecond trunk portion TP2 may be connected to each other and may beconnected to one end area and another end area of the second trunkportion TP2, respectively. The two third branch portions BP3 and thesecond trunk portion TP2 connected to each other may define a secondopening OP2.

Here, a length of the second trunk portion TP2 may be defined as adistance between two intersection areas, adjacent in the seconddirection DR2, of the first sensing electrodes and the second sensingelectrodes. The one end area of the second trunk portion TP2 may bedefined as an area corresponding to a range from one of the twointersection areas to 30% of the length of the second trunk portion TP2,and the another end area of the second trunk portion TP2 may be definedas an area corresponding to a range from the other of the twointersection areas to 30% of the length of the second trunk portion TP2.

In FIG. 8, two third branch portions BP3 disposed at a right side of thesecond trunk portion TP2 are connected to each other. The two thirdbranch portions BP3 may be connected to the one end area and the anotherend area of the second trunk portion TP2, respectively, to define thesecond opening OP2 at the right side of the second trunk portion TP2.Each of the second sensor parts SP2 may have a symmetrical shape withrespect to the second trunk portion TP2.

Sizes of two first sensor parts SP1 disposed at both ends of each of thefirst sensing electrodes IE1-1, IE1-2, IE1-3, IE1-4, and IE1-5 may besmaller than a size of a first sensor part SP1 disposed at a center ofeach of the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5. For example, thesizes of the two first sensor parts SP1 disposed at the both ends may beequal to a half of the size of the first sensor part SP1 disposed at thecenter. Sizes of two second sensor parts SP2 disposed at both ends ofeach of the second sensing electrodes IE2-1, IE2-2, IE2-3, and IE2-4 maybe smaller than a size of a second sensor part SP2 disposed at a centerof each of the second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-4. For example,the sizes of the two second sensor parts SP2 disposed at the both endsmay be equal to a half of the size of the second sensor part SP2disposed at the center.

When a touch event occurs, a mutual capacitance C_(m) defined betweenthe first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode of acorresponding spot is varied. Referring to FIG. 9, since the touch eventoccurs, a capacitance (hereinafter, referred to as a touch capacitance)is formed between both terminals of the mutual capacitance C_(m). Thetouch capacitance may include two capacitances C_(ft) and C_(fr)connected in series.

One C_(ft) of the touch capacitances C_(ft) and C_(fr) is formed betweenan input means (e.g., a finger) and one, to which a detection signal DSis applied, of the first sensing electrode and the second sensingelectrode; the other C_(fr) of the touch capacitances C_(ft) and C_(fr)is formed between the input means and the other of the first sensingelectrode and the second sensing electrode. A microprocessor may readout a sensing signal SS from the other sensing electrode and may measurea variation (ΔC_(m)) in capacitance between before and after the inputmeans is inputted, from the sensing signal SS. The variation (ΔC_(m)) incapacitance may be measured by sensing a variation in current of thesensing signal SS.

FIG. 9 additionally illustrates capacitances C_(bt) and C_(br) between asystem ground GND and the first and second sensing electrodes, acapacitance C_(bg) between the system ground GND and the ground, and acapacitance C_(fg) between the input means and the ground. The systemground GND may be the second electrode CE illustrated in FIG. 6 or avoltage level corresponding to the second electrode CE. In addition,FIG. 9 also illustrates an equivalent resistance r₁ between an input padISU-PDT and the sensing electrode to which the detection signal DS isapplied, an equivalent resistance r₂ between an output pad ISU-PDR andthe other sensing electrode, and equivalent resistances r₃, r₄ and r₅formed by the input means.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the touch capacitance C_(ft) and C_(fr) increasesas a distance between a top surface of the input sensing unit ISU and atop surface of the window panel WP decreases. The distance between thetop surface of the input sensing unit ISU and the top surface of thewindow panel WP may be 0.5 mm or less, in particular, 0.2 mm or less toimprove folding characteristics of the foldable display device.

As the distance between the top surface of the input sensing unit ISUand the top surface of the window panel WP decreases, movement of asignal along a first path C1 of FIG. 9 decreases and movement of asignal along a second path C2 of FIG. 9 increases.

According to the input sensing unit ISU illustrated in FIG. 8, the thirdbranch portion BP3 is disposed between the first branch portion BP1 andthe second branch portion BP2 which constitute the pair, and thus afacing area between the first sensing electrode and the second sensingelectrode increases. As a result, the mutual capacitance Cm mayincrease. Since the first openings OP1 and the second openings OP2 aredefined in the first sensor parts SP1 and the second sensor parts SP2,overlapping areas between the input means and the first sensor parts SP1are reduced and overlapping areas between the input means and the secondsensor parts SP2 are reduced. Thus, the touch capacitance C_(ft) andC_(fr) may be reduced. As a result, the variation (ΔC_(m)) incapacitance between before and after the inputting of the input meansmay increase.

In addition, the first trunk portion TP1 and the second trunk portionTP2 may prevent current paths from increasing by the openings OP1 andOP2. Furthermore, since the first openings OP1 and the second openingsOP2 are defined in the first sensor parts SP1 and the second sensorparts SP2, overlapping areas between the system ground GND and thesensor parts SP1 and SP2 are reduced. Thus, the input sensing unit ISUmay be less affected by a variation of the system ground.

In an aspect of the invention, each of the first and second sensingelectrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5 and IE2-1 to IE2-4 may be defined by thefollowing description. Referring to one first sensing electrode IE1-1,the first connection parts CP1 and the first trunk portions TP1 of thefirst sensor parts SP1 may be defined as a first extension. The firstbranch portions BP1 may be defined as first diagonal portions that areconnected to the first extension in the intersection areas. The secondbranch portions BP2 which form the pairs with the first diagonalportions may be defined as second diagonal portions.

Referring to one second sensing electrode IE2-2, the second connectionparts CP2 and the second trunk portions TP2 of the second sensor partsSP2 may be defined as a second extension. The third branch portions BP3may be defined as third diagonal portions that are connected to thesecond extension in the intersection areas.

In an aspect of the invention, two first branch portions BP1 connectedto each other may be defined as one branch portion, and two third branchportions BP3 connected to each other may be defined as one branchportion. In addition, four first branch portions BP1 may be defined as arim portion defining one closed loop, and four third branch portions BP3may also be defined as a rim portion defining one closed loop.

FIG. 10A is an enlarged plan view illustrating a portion of an inputsensing unit ISU according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.FIG. 10B is an enlarged plan view illustrating one intersection area ofthe input sensing unit ISU according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 10C is an enlarged plan view illustrating a partial areaof FIG. 10A. FIG. 10D is an enlarged plan view illustrating a partialarea of FIG. 10C. FIG. 10E is a cross-sectional view of a partial areaof FIG. 10B taken along line I-I′. FIG. 10F is a cross-sectional view ofa partial area of FIG. 10C taken along line II-II′.

Two first sensing electrodes IE1-3 and IE1-4 and two second sensingelectrodes IE2-2 and IE2-3 are shown in different shades in FIG. 10A.FIGS. 10A to 10F illustrate the input sensing unit ISU, in which twosecond connection parts CP2 are disposed in each of the intersectionareas, as an example.

As described with reference to FIG. 8, the first opening OP1 is definedin the first sensor part SP1 illustrated in FIG. 10A. The second openingOP2 is defined in the second sensor part SP2. The second opening OP2 mayinclude a first area OP2-1 in which the second branch portion BP2 isdisposed, and a second area OP2-2 in which the second branch portion BP2is not disposed.

One unit area UA is additionally indicated in FIG. 10A. A ratio of anarea of an opening to an area of the one unit area UA may range from 25%to 35%. The area of the opening is a sum of an area of the first openingOP1 and an area of the second area OP2-2. A ratio of a total area of theelectrodes in the unit area UA to the area of the unit area UA may rangefrom 65% to 75%. In the unit area UA, a ratio of an area of the secondsensing electrode IE2-2 or IE2-3 to the total area of the electrodes mayrange from about 38% to about 48%.

Since the area of the second sensing electrode IE2-2 or IE2-3 is smallerthan an area of the first sensing electrode IE1-3 or IE1-4 in the unitarea UA, the capacitance C_(ft) of FIG. 9 may be relatively reduced. Thecapacitance C_(ft), defined by the second sensing electrodes IE2-2 andIE2-3, of the two capacitances C_(ft) and C_(fr) may further affect theoccurrence of the noise (e.g., re-transmission) in terms of a signalflow. However, since the capacitance C_(ft) is reduced, the noise may bereduced.

As illustrated in FIG. 10A, each of the first and second branch portionsBP1 and BP2 includes a plurality of first areas 1-W1 and a plurality ofsecond areas 1-W2. The first areas 1-W1 and the second areas 1-W2 arealternately arranged. Widths of the first areas 1-W1 are greater thanwidths of the second areas 1-W2. The third branch portion BP3 includes aplurality of third areas 2-W1 and a plurality of fourth areas 2-W2. Thethird areas 2-W1 and the fourth areas 2-W2 are alternately arranged.Widths of the third areas 2-W1 are greater than widths of the fourthareas 2-W2. In FIG. 10A, the widths may be defined as lengths in thefourth direction DR4.

One of the first areas 1-W1 is disposed between adjacent two of thethird areas 2-W1. In other words, each of the first, second and thirdbranch portions BP1, BP2 and BP3 does not have a uniform width butincludes an area having a large width and an area having a small width.The areas having the large widths and the areas having the small widthsare alternately arranged. The areas having the large widths of the firstbranch portion BP1 and the second branch portion BP2 may be disposedbetween the areas having the large widths of the third branch portionBP3.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10A to 10D, the first sensing electrodes IE1-3and IE1-4 and the second sensing electrodes IE2-2 and IE2-4 may havemesh shapes. The first sensor part SP1, the second sensor part SP2, thefirst connection part CP1 and the second connection part CP2 may includemesh lines MSL1 and MSL2. The mesh lines MSL1 and MSL2 may include linesMSL1 extending in the fourth direction DR4 and lines MSL2 extending inthe fifth direction DR5.

As illustrated in FIG. 10B, a distance between the first sensor partsSP1 and the second sensor parts SP2 may be several μm or less. Forexample, the distance may range from 1 μm to 10 μm. In particular, thedistance may range from 2 μm to 4 μm. As illustrated in FIG. 10C, adistance between the first areas 1-W1 and the third areas 2-W1 may beseveral μm or less. For example, the distance may range from 1 μm to 10μm. In particular, the distance may range from 2 μm to 4 μm. These arebecause the mesh lines are separated (cut) from each other to define aboundary between the electrodes.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10B and 10E, the second connection part CP2 maybe disposed on a layer different from a layer on which the first sensorpart SP1, the second sensor part SP2 and the first connection part CP1are disposed. The second sensor parts SP2 spaced apart from each othermay be connected to the second connection part CP2 through contact holesCNT-I1 penetrating the first insulating layer IS-IL1. Even though notshown in the drawings, the first sensor part SP1 may be partiallyremoved to reduce an overlapping area with the second connection partCP2.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10C and 10F, the bridge BR may be disposed on alayer different from a layer on which the first to third branch portionsBP1, BP2 and BP3 are disposed. The bridge BR may be connected to thefirst branch portion BP1 and the second branch portion BP2 throughcontact holes CNT-I1 penetrating the first insulating layer IS-IL1. Thebridge BR is insulated from the third branch portion BP3 and intersectsthe third branch portion BP3.

As illustrated in FIG. 10D, the mesh lines MSL1 and MSL2 do not overlapwith light emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G and PXA-B but overlap with anon-light emitting area NPXA. The light emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G andPXA-B may be defined as the light emitting area PXA of FIG. 6. The meshlines MSL1 and MSL2 define a plurality of mesh holes TS-OP. A width ofthe mesh lines may range from several nanometers to several micrometers.The mesh holes TS-OP may overlap with the light emitting areas PXA-R,PXA-G and PXA-B in one-to-one correspondence. The light emitting areasPXA-R, PXA-G and PXA-B classified into three groups on the basis of acolor of emitted light are illustrated in FIG. 10D.

The light emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G and PXA-B may have differentareas, depending on a color of light emitted from the light emittinglayer EML of the organic light emitting diode OLED (see FIG. 6). Theareas of the light emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G and PXA-B may bedetermined depending on kinds of the organic light emitting diodes.

The plurality of mesh holes TS-OP may be classified into a plurality ofgroups having different areas from each other. The plurality of meshholes TS-OP may be classified into three groups to correspond to thelight emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G and PXA-B classified into the threegroups.

In the above exemplary embodiment, the mesh holes TS-OP overlap with thelight emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G and PXA-B in one-to-onecorrespondence. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention are notlimited thereto. In other exemplary embodiments, one mesh hole TS-OP maycorrespond to two or more of the light emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G andPXA-B.

In the above exemplary embodiment, the areas of the light emitting areasPXA-R, PXA-G and PXA-B are various. However, exemplary embodiments ofthe invention are not limited thereto. In other exemplary embodiments,sizes of the light emitting areas PXA-R, PXA-G and PXA-B may be equal toeach other, and sizes of the mesh holes TS-OP may also be equal to eachother.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a portion of an inputsensing unit ISU according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.Hereinafter, the descriptions to the same components as in the exemplaryembodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10F will be omitted for the purpose of easeand convenience in description.

An input sensing unit ISU may further include optical dummy electrodesDM1 and DM2. A first dummy electrode DM1 is disposed in the firstopening OP1, and a second dummy electrode DM2 is disposed in the secondarea OP2-2 of the second opening OP2. The optical dummy electrodes DM1and DM2 may be formed by the same process as the first sensor parts SP1and the second sensor parts SP2, and thus the optical dummy electrodesDM1 and DM2 may have the same material and the same stack structure asthe first sensor parts SP1 and the second sensor parts SP2.

The optical dummy electrodes DM1 and DM2 are floating electrodes and arenot electrically connected to the first sensor parts SP1 and the secondsensor parts SP2. The optical dummy electrodes DM1 and DM2 may bedisposed to reduce visibility of a boundary area between the firstsensor parts SP1 and the second sensor parts SP2. The optical dummyelectrodes DM1 and DM2 may have mesh shapes and may be spaced apart fromcorresponding sensor parts by a distance of several μm. For example, thedistance may range from 1 μm to 10 μm. In particular, the distance mayrange from 2 μm to 4 μm.

FIG. 12A is an enlarged plan view illustrating a portion of an inputsensing unit ISU according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.FIG. 12B is an enlarged plan view illustrating a partial area of FIG.12A. FIG. 13 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a portion of an inputsensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, a shape of a third branch portionBP3 of an input sensing unit ISU according to the present exemplaryembodiment is different from the shape of the third branch portion BP3of the input sensing unit ISU illustrated in FIG. 10A. Two third branchportions BP3 disposed at a left side of the second trunk portion TP2will be mainly described. One of the two third branch portions BP3 isconnected to the one end area of the second trunk portion TP2, and theother thereof is connected to the another end area of the second trunkportion TP2. The two third branch portions BP3 are spaced apart fromeach other by a predetermined distance. The two third branch portionsBP3 may have different lengths from each other. The third branch portionBP3 having a longer length includes a portion extending in the fourthdirection DR4 and a portion extending in the fifth direction DR5.

A bridge BR is disposed between the two third branch portions BP3 spacedapart from each other. The bridge BR and the first and second branchportions BP1 and BP2 may constitute a single unitary body. In thepresent exemplary embodiment, the input sensing unit ISU includes twokinds of bridges. One kind of the bridge BR is disposed on the samelayer as the third branch portions BP3, and another kind of the bridgeBR is disposed on a layer different from the layer on which the thirdbranch portions BP3 are disposed. This was described in detail withreference to FIG. 10F, and thus the descriptions thereto are omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, two third branch portions BP3 disposed at thesame side of the second trunk portion TP2 are not connected to eachother in an input sensing unit ISU according to the present exemplaryembodiment, unlike the input sensing unit ISU illustrated in FIG. 10A.One of the two third branch portions BP3 is connected to the one endarea of the second trunk portion TP2, and the other thereof is connectedto the another end area of the second trunk portion TP2. The two thirdbranch portions BP3 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermineddistance. Lengths of the two third branch portions BP3 may be equal toeach other.

A bridge BR is disposed between the third branch portions BP3 spacedapart from each other. The bridge BR and the first and second branchportions BP1 and BP2 may constitute a single unitary body. The firstbranch portion BP1, the second branch portion BP2 and the bridge BR maycompletely surround the third branch portion BP3 corresponding thereto.

FIG. 14A is an enlarged plan view illustrating a first conductive layerIS-CL1 (see FIG. 7) corresponding to one intersection area of an inputsensing unit ISU according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.FIG. 14B is an enlarged plan view illustrating a second conductive layerIS-CL2 (see FIG. 7) corresponding to one intersection area of the inputsensing unit ISU according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

In the input sensing unit ISU according to the present exemplaryembodiment, the second connection parts CP2 are formed from the firstconductive layer IS-CL1, and the first and second sensor parts SP1 andSP2 and the first connection parts CP1 are formed from the secondconductive layer IS-CL2. In the present exemplary embodiment, firstdummy electrodes SP1-D and second dummy electrodes SP2-D may further beformed from the first conductive layer IS-CL1. The second dummyelectrodes SP2-D may be connected to each other through the secondconnection parts CP2.

The first dummy electrodes SP1-D are connected to the first sensor partsSP1 through contact holes CNT-I1. The second dummy electrodes SP2-D maybe connected to the second sensor parts SP2 through contact holesCNT-I1. The first dummy electrodes SP1-D and the second dummy electrodesSP2-D may reduce resistances of the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 toIE1-5 and the second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-4.

According to the above descriptions, the variation in capacitancebetween before and after the inputting of the input means may increase.Sensitivity of the input sensing unit may be improved. This is becausethe facing area between the first and second sensing electrodes isincreased and the overlapping areas of the input means and the first andsecond sensing electrodes are reduced.

Since the first and second sensing electrodes include the trunkportions, current paths may be secured. Areas (e.g., the openings) fromwhich portions of the first and second sensing electrodes are removedmay be defined to reduce the capacitance(s) between the input means andthe first and/or second sensing electrode. Thus, it is possible toinhibit or prevent the variation in capacitance from being reduced.

Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have beendescribed herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparentfrom this description. Accordingly, the inventive concepts are notlimited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of theappended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalentarrangements as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in theart.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a display panel; andan input sensing unit disposed on the display panel and comprising afirst sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode, the firstsensing electrode and the second sensing electrode having mesh shapes,respectively, and being insulated from each other, wherein the firstsensing electrode comprises: first sensor parts arranged in a firstdirection; and first connection parts, with each of the first connectionparts connecting adjacent ones of the first sensor parts, wherein thesecond sensing electrode comprises: second sensor parts arranged in asecond direction intersecting the first direction; and second connectionparts, with each of the second connection parts connecting adjacent onesof the second sensor parts, wherein each of the first sensor partscomprises: a first trunk portion extending in the first direction; afirst branch portion connected to the first trunk portion and extendingin a direction different from the first direction and the seconddirection; a second branch portion spaced apart from the first branchportion; and a bridge connecting the first branch portion to the secondbranch portion, and wherein each of the second sensor parts comprises: asecond trunk portion extending in the second direction; and a thirdbranch portion connected to the second trunk portion and extending in adirection different from the first direction and the second direction,wherein the third branch portion is disposed between the first branchportion and the second branch portion.
 2. The display device of claim 1,wherein each of the second sensor parts comprises two or more thirdbranch portions, wherein two third branch portions of the two or morethird branch portions are connected to each other, and the two thirdbranch portions connect one end area of the second trunk portion toanother end area of the second trunk portion, and wherein the secondtrunk portion and the two third branch portions define an opening. 3.The display device of claim 2, wherein the second branch portion isdisposed inside the opening.
 4. The display device of claim 2, furthercomprising: a dummy electrode disposed in the opening.
 5. The displaydevice of claim 1, wherein the bridge is disposed on a layer differentfrom a layer on which the first branch portion is disposed.
 6. Thedisplay device of claim 5, wherein the bridge overlaps with the thirdbranch portion.
 7. The display device of claim 1, wherein the firstbranch portion connects one end area of the first trunk portion toanother end area of the first trunk portion, and wherein the first trunkportion and the first branch portion define an opening.
 8. The displaydevice of claim 7, further comprising: a dummy electrode disposed in theopening.
 9. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first branchportion comprises: first areas and second areas, the first areas and thesecond areas are alternately arranged, wherein widths of the first areasare greater than widths of the second areas, wherein the third branchportion comprises: third areas and fourth areas, the third areas and thefourth areas are alternately arranged, wherein widths of the third areasare greater than widths of the fourth areas, and wherein one of thefirst areas is disposed between adjacent two of the third areas.
 10. Thedisplay device of claim 9, wherein a distance between the one of thefirst areas and one of the adjacent two of the third areas ranges from 1μm to 10 μm.
 11. The display device of claim 1, wherein each of thesecond sensor parts comprises two or more third branch portions, whereinone of the two or more third branch portions is connected to one endarea of the second trunk portion, and another of the two or more thirdbranch portions is connected to another end area of the second trunkportion, and wherein the one of the two or more third branch portion isspaced apart from the another of the two or more third branch portion bya predetermined distance.
 12. The display device of claim 11, whereinthe bridge is disposed between the one of the two or more third branchportion and the another of the two or more third branch portion.
 13. Thedisplay device of claim 12, wherein a length of the one of the two ormore third branch portion is substantially equal to a length of theanother of the two or more third branch portion.
 14. The display deviceof claim 1, wherein the first connection parts and the second connectionparts are disposed on different layers from each other with aninsulating layer interposed therebetween, and the first sensor parts andthe second sensor parts are disposed on a same layer as the firstconnection parts, wherein the input sensing unit further comprises:first dummy electrodes, the first dummy electrodes overlap with thefirst sensor parts, are disposed on a same layer as the secondconnection parts, and are connected to the first sensor parts throughcontact holes penetrating and defined by the insulating layer; andsecond dummy electrodes, the second dummy electrodes overlap with thesecond sensor parts, are disposed on a same layer as the secondconnection parts, and are connected to the second sensor parts throughthe contact holes.
 15. The display device of claim 1, wherein each ofthe second sensor parts comprises a plurality of third branch portions,and wherein each of the second sensor parts has a symmetrical shape withrespect to the second trunk portion.
 16. The display device of claim 1,further comprising: a window unit, wherein the input sensing unit isdisposed between the display panel and the window unit, and wherein adistance between a top surface of the input sensing unit and a topsurface of the window unit is 0.2 mm or less.
 17. The display device ofclaim 16, wherein at least a partial area of the display device isbendable.
 18. A display device comprising: a display panel; and an inputsensing unit disposed on the display panel and comprising: a firstsensing electrode extending in a first direction; and a second sensingelectrode extending in a second direction different from the firstdirection, wherein the first sensing electrode and the second sensingelectrode are insulated from each other, wherein the first sensingelectrode comprises: a first extension extending in the first direction;a plurality of first diagonal portions connected to the first extensionin an intersection area of the first and second sensing electrodes andextending in a direction different from the first and second directions;and a plurality of second diagonal portions spaced apart from theplurality of first diagonal portions and electrically connected to theplurality of first diagonal portions, and wherein the second sensingelectrode comprises: a second extension extending in the seconddirection; and a plurality of third diagonal portions connected to thesecond extension in the intersection area of the first and secondsensing electrodes and disposed between the plurality of first diagonalportions and the plurality of second diagonal portions, respectively.19. The display device of claim 18, wherein one of the first extensionand the second extension comprises: a connection portion disposed on alayer different from a layer on which the plurality of first diagonalportions, the plurality of second diagonal portions, and the pluralityof third diagonal portions are disposed; a first central portion and asecond central portion, the first central portion and the second centralportion are spaced apart from each other and are disposed on a samelayer as the plurality of first diagonal portions, the plurality ofsecond diagonal portions, and the plurality of third diagonal portions,and wherein the connection portion is disposed between the first centralportion and the second central portion in a plan view and connects thefirst central portion and the second central portion to each other. 20.A display device comprising: a display panel; a first sensing electrodedisposed on the display panel; and a second sensing electrode disposedon the display panel and intersecting the first sensing electrode,wherein the first and second sensing electrodes are insulated from eachother, wherein the first sensing electrode comprises: a first centralportion extending in a first direction; a first branch portion defininga first opening along with the first central portion; and a secondbranch portion defining a second opening along with the first centralportion, wherein the second sensing electrode comprises: a secondcentral portion extending in a second direction intersecting the firstdirection; a third branch portion defining a third opening along withthe second central portion; a fourth branch portion defining a fourthopening along with the second central portion; a fifth branch portionspaced apart from the third branch portion and disposed in the secondopening; and a sixth branch portion spaced apart from the fourth branchportion, and wherein a portion of the second branch portion is disposedbetween the third branch portion and the fifth branch portion.